What steps are required to add or remove family members as beneficiaries of the trust? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the steps depend on whether the trust is revocable or irrevocable. For a revocable trust, the settlor signs a written amendment or complete restatement that updates the beneficiary provisions and delivers it…
What happens if my trust doesn’t have a TIN when I need to sell or transfer property? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a real estate closing cannot move forward without a taxpayer identification number (TIN) for the seller. If the trust has no TIN, the trustee must either use the settlor’s Social…
Will not having a TIN delay the closing process with the realtor? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina real estate closings, the settlement agent must collect a completed IRS Form W-9 for the seller and report the sale, which requires the trust’s taxpayer identification number (TIN/EIN). Without a TIN, the closing attorney…
What estate planning steps should we take to ensure care for our pets if we have no children? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you can protect your pets by signing a valid will that names a caregiver and sets money aside—ideally through a pet trust—then, if you prefer, move those terms into…
Can we create a will now and then convert it into a trust after we return? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you cannot “convert” a will into a trust. You can sign a valid will now and later create a revocable living trust with a new “pour-over” will that sends any remaining…
How can I quickly put together a simple will before traveling overseas? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the fastest reliable option is a simple typed will signed by you in front of two adult witnesses, ideally made “self‑proved” with a notary at the same signing. A handwritten will entirely in your handwriting…
How do I consolidate multiple asset types into a single trust or will? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the cleanest way to consolidate diverse assets is to use a revocable living trust as the central bucket, then retitle assets into the trust and backstop the plan with a pour-over will. You must…
What documents do I need to prepare before handling my parent’s estate matters? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you need the original will (if any), proof of death, and enough asset and debt information to either open a full estate with the Clerk of Superior Court or use the small-estate affidavit if…
Can I complete estate planning and notarization virtually in North Carolina? Short Answer Yes for consultations, but not entirely for signings. In North Carolina, you can meet with your attorney virtually and prepare documents remotely. However, North Carolina does not recognize electronic wills, and fully virtual will signings are not currently authorized. A temporary COVID-era…
How do I regain control of my company when the agent oversteps their POA authority? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you can revoke a power of attorney if you still have capacity, and you should give written notice of the revocation to the agent and all banks, vendors, and business partners. If…